From the Dean

Semper Pro Musica eNewsletter
October 2023
Volume 9, No. 1
Music.baylor.edu

From the Dean

“Begin with the end in mind…”

It occurs to me that never in my service to higher education has this six-word saying carried more relevance. This academic year the School of Music begins with some significant goals to work toward as the year progresses.

In February, the Baylor Wind Ensemble will perform before the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) Conference in San Antonio (February 6-10), and in March, the School of Music will host three external reviewers sent by the National Association of Schools of Music (March 24-28). These external reviewers will spend four days meeting with administrators, faculty, staff and students to compare what they read in our 600-page, 10-year self-study report to what they observe on our campus by attending rehearsals, performances, and conducting listening sessions. The compiling of the report and the preparation of the visit is consuming both the Dean’s Office and the School of Music as a whole.

In April 2024, we will see Kimbell Winners of the Semper Pro Musica Solo and Chamber Music Competition perform in the Renzo Piano Pavilion at the Kimbell Art Museum (April 21 at 3 p.m.) and the Baylor Symphony Orchestra perform in Bass Hall (April 23 at 7:00 pm) with both events taking place in Fort Worth, TX.

Finally, in New York City the Carnegie Winners of the Semper Pro Musica Solo and Chamber Music Competition winners will be presented in Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall (May 16 at 8 p.m.) and the following day the Semper Pro Musica Organ Competition winner will be presented along with our new organ professor Jens Korndörfer at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Park Avenue (May 17, 3 p.m.). Two weeks to the day after the New York City events conclude I will step away as dean on May 31, and my successor will begin their tenure as dean on June 1.

This final year will be a time of reflection, transition, and great optimism as I watch and listen to these significant performances. I have every confidence that Baylor University, as a whole, will continue to move toward ever greater achievements, and that the School of Music will remain a valued gem in the eyes and ears of our administration, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and supporters. There is much to be proud of as we look back at 102-plus years of intense musical activity. I look forward to witnessing all the ways the School of Music will redefine itself and recommit to the attainment of musical excellence in the years and decades to come.

Thank you for your interest and support of the School of Music and enjoy this edition of the Semper Pro Musica Newsletter.

Musically yours,

Gary Mortenson, Dean